The studio version is amazing , but as Chopper says the extended Aquartakus is a massive bonus on the live version. I think also the band are slightly more fluid on the live version although I've heard some ELP fans complain that certain details are missing on that version. For instance Mass has that organ section where Emerson just seems to be tickling the thing. On the live version it goes full throttle without that 'choppy' bit. The studio version also has the sublime engineering of Offord.

There is an excellent live version on the Nassau Coliseum 2 CD from 1978. They miss out Manticore and Battlefield but Aquatarkus is just brilliant and even tighter than on the 1974 version. This is a good alternative if you don't want to wait 20 minutes before getting to the Aquartarkus section.

There is an excellent live version on the Nassau Coliseum 2 CD from 1978. They miss out Manticore and Battlefield but Aquatarkus is just brilliant and even tighter than on the 1974 version. This is a good alternative if you don't want to wait 20 minutes before getting to the Aquartarkus section.

No, missing "Battlefield" is enough to dismiss that version for me. Though I would gladly skip the "Mass" section, and I don't remember well, perhaps also the sections before and after that one.

This time it's Tarkus and the live version is different to the studio as it includes a snippet of "Epitaph" and a wonderous version of Aquatarkus that completely trounces the studio version.

As you may have guessed, I prefer the live version.

Having just listened to the studio version, I think part of the reason I prefer the live one is that I heard it long before I ever got round to hearing the studio version and consequently it sounds really slow and ploddy to me. Also, when I hear the studio version of Aquatarkus, I can't help thinking of a marching duck.

I must say I don't understand the grief that side 2 of Tarkus gets - I like it, even Are You Ready Eddy (they've only got ham or cheese).

This time it's Tarkus and the live version is different to the studio as it includes a snippet of "Epitaph" and a wonderous version of Aquatarkus that completely trounces the studio version.

As you may have guessed, I prefer the live version.

Having just listened to the studio version, I think part of the reason I prefer the live one is that I heard it long before I ever got round to hearing the studio version and consequently it sounds really slow and ploddy to me. Also, when I hear the studio version of Aquatarkus, I can't help thinking of a marching duck.

I must say I don't understand the grief that side 2 of Tarkus gets - I like it, even Are You Ready Eddy (they've only got ham or cheese).

That may be what it is. I heard the studio version first and prefer that to the live version. The live version sounds like a rush to the finished line, and loses a lot of the impact of the original, imo.

I remember I heard the Exit Stage left version of Xanadu before the original, and have always preferred the live version.. Studio version sounds weak in comparison.

I've never understood why so many think side two of Tarkus is lousy either. The only things I find wrong with it are the Infinite Space piano instrumental which is a bit dull and repetitive, and the rather cringe-inducing line about "six million Jews" on The Only Way. Other than that it's the usual ELP mix of ballsy rockers, classical bombast and jokey songs. In fact I probably listen to side 2 more than side 1 (yes I have no taste!). My favourite version of Tarkus is the Nassau Coliseum one Richard mentioned, Emerson really is on top form there.

^Saw them do it at the Hammersmith Apollo ( Odeon as was). Interesting 'split' concert. Dave Kilminster was the guitarist if I remember correctly , later popping up in Roger Waters band. No Greg Lake is the problem with any versions of Tarkus that is not by ELP as a band. No substitute for his rich baritone although Marc Bonilla has done a decent job fronting The Keith Emerson band in recent years.

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